Mark Shipway recommends: Chardonnay

Craggy Range ‘Kidnappers Vineyard’ Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2018

Chardonnay is New Zealand’s second most planted white grape and perhaps one that wouldn’t immediately think of in connection with the country but here’s an insider tip: sommeliers and wine professionals everywhere love the value to be found here and the typical Kiwi style of chardonnay, which emphasizes restraint over exuberance, is currently very in vogue.

Although decent quality chardonnays emanate in abundance from every one of New Zealand’s winegrowing regions, a burgeoning number of producers are putting extra efforts into producing truly fine wines that easily compete with those from more established classic regions, be they old world or new. Craggy Range is one such winery that, since its inception in 1998, has risen through the ranks to become one of the country’s most iconic producers (they won the Wine Enthusiast ‘New World Winery of the Year’ accolade in 2014 and were recently ranked in the top 20 World’s Best Vineyard list). High praise indeed but perhaps no surprise considering this family owned and operated winery focuses on releasing single vineyard wines that truly express uniqueness of place.

​Their Kidnappers Vineyard site (located in Hawkes Bay) does exactly that with its cool yet sunny exposition proving perfect for producing a chardonnay that balances ripeness with vibrancy & freshness, an especially fine feat considering the 2018 vintage was a challenging one across New Zealand (growers had to contend with not one but three cyclones!). The results are clearly evident here with Kidnappers Chardonnay effortlessly combining density of flavor with finesse; delicate aromas of apple, pear and white peach are underpinned by a stony minerality and a subtle kiss of toasty French oak. On the palate there is lightness but also a deliciously creamy texture and the overall impression is one of elegance which persists through its ‘drink-more-of-me’ finish. As such, Kidnappers never tires the palate, drinking just as well as an upscale social sipper as it pairs perfectly with food. Enjoy with a bento box from Kingyo on Denman or some of that magic fried chicken from Chinatown’s Juke. Yum!
 
Available at Everything Wine for $37.98

Mark Shipway, DipWSET

​Mark is a UK born Vancouver based wine & spirits professional. Considered one of Vancouver’s top wine educators, Mark is a certified sommelier, the education chair for the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers BC Chapter and the lead instructor with the Wine Scholar Guild.